"Where are you, Tiegchuan?" Because of the agricultural support program, Chen Bingnan gave Cheng Jemin a leave. Although Cheng Jemin wouldn't really loosen up as much as Chen Bingnan said, he at least had more free time.
It was already the second day, and they were leaving tomorrow. When shaking hands with Gao Ziqing to say goodbye, Cheng Jemin had already discussed the loan with him. The amount of money Cheng Jemin wanted to borrow wasn't much, and Gao Ziqing was eager to get along well with Cheng Jemin, the secretary of the department. Therefore, when Cheng Jemin mentioned wanting to borrow 40,000 yuan from the county credit cooperative, Gao Ziqing agreed without hesitation.
Having settled this matter, Cheng Jemin found Chen Tiegchuan's phone number in the class directory. They had been good friends in school, both coming from the countryside and experiencing hardships that city kids couldn't understand. Therefore, the two of them respected each other and had a good relationship.
"Ah, it's Jemin, what's up?" After Cheng Jemin identified himself, a weary voice came from the other end of the phone.
Chen Tiegchuan was about the same age as Cheng Jemin, but his voice sounded much moreζ²§ζ‘ (weathered). Cheng Jemin knew that this old classmate had experienced more storms than himself. The black diary recorded his classmate's success and glory, but he never imagined what he had gone through before.
While he was worry-free in the Water Resources Department, what about the current Chen Tiegchuan? He was probably going through a tough time.
Thinking this, Cheng Jemin complained, "Tiegchuan, where are you? I heard from Tiegun that you're raising money everywhere. Did you run into some trouble?"
Cheng Jemin had thought of several ways to talk to Chen Tiegchuan about the investment, but in the end, he decided to be straightforward. Just entering society, the brotherhood of the past hadn't completely faded. It was better to speak directly than to beat around the bush.
"Yes. Now I only have 20 yuan left. Even arranging lunch for the workers today is a problem," Chen Tiegchuan sighed, not hiding it.
Only 20 yuan left in his pocket? Thinking of the records in the black diary, Cheng Jemin was surprised.
"You little rascal, should I scold you? We were almost inseparable back then, but you even found Tiegun and didn't come to me. Do you look down on me?"
Although Cheng Jemin's attitude wasn't friendly, Chen Tiegchuan felt warm. These days, he had experienced the coldness of human relationships. To pay his workers, he had almost borrowed from all his friends, but none of them lent him money easily. The most polite response was "I'll think of a way to help you."
It's hard to open your mouth when you're asking for help. These responses made Chen Tiegchuan feel like salt was being rubbed into his wounds, but he couldn't blame them. As a classmate said, these days, even lending your wife is better than lending money!
Just before Cheng Jemin called, two team leaders came to him for money. Although they still called him Manager Chen, their tone was clearly unfriendly.
At this moment, he was in one of his worst moods. Cheng Jemin's words made him feel warm, and he laughed bitterly, "Brother, it's not that I didn't come to you. I know your family's situation, and you're not well-off either."
"You damn fool! I'm not well-off, but two heads are better than one, right? You're almost starving, and you're still talking nonsense. Give me a straight answer, am I still your brother?"
"Good brother, I... I was wrong." Listening to Cheng Jemin's scolding, Chen Tiegchuan felt a lump in his throat.
"Alright, tell me where you are, and I'll come find you." Cheng Jemin instructed without hesitation.
Chen Tiegchuan no longer hesitated, feeling overwhelmed with emotion, "I'm in Daoxuan County."
Daoxuan County? Could it be this coincidental? Cheng Jemin thought to himself that he had just discussed with Gao Ziqing about going to their Daoxuan County for a loan, and now Chen Tiegchuan was doing business there. Daoxuan County was over a hundred miles from Tianyuan City, and it would take at least two hours by car.
Looking at the time, Cheng Jemin said, "Wait for me," and then went directly to the office director, Feng Changhai. Feng Changhai didn't ask what he was going to do and readily approved the car.
Just before Cheng Jemin left, Feng Changhai came out and gave him two oil tickets, "Brother, take these first. If you need more, I'll give you more when you come back."
Although it was just an ordinary Santana, the car was in good condition. In an hour and a half, Cheng Jemin arrived in Daoxuan County.
Daoxuan County was small, with only two main streets. The entire county had no impressive buildings, and the most impressive power company building was only five stories high. Cheng Jemin's first impression of the county was that it was dilapidated.
"Jemin." Just as Cheng Jemin was looking around the power company building, Chen Tiegchuan walked over.
If Chen Tiegchuan hadn't greeted him, Cheng Jemin wouldn't have recognized him. In school, Chen Tiegchuan, though poorly dressed, was famous for his charm, even making a campus beauty infatuated. Now, with his unkempt beard and messy hair, he looked like a mess.
"Did you just come out of a film set, Tiegchuan?" Cheng Jemin pulled Chen Tiegchuan and playfully teased him.
Chen Tiegchuan forced a smile, "Brother, this is my real life. Right now, I'm even worse than a beggar. A beggar can at least get a bowl of rice, but I don't even have money for a meal."
Chen Tiegchuan laughed bitterly, almost in tears. Cheng Jemin put his arm around his shoulder and comforted him, "Brother, there's no problem we can't solve. Whatever difficulties you have, we'll face them together. Let's go eat first!"
Chen Tiegchuan looked at his electronic watch, "Jemin, why don't you wait for me? I need to go to the Transportation Bureau. Those guys are all drunk in the afternoon, and nothing can be done."
"Alright, I'll take you." Although Cheng Jemin didn't know why Chen Tiegchuan was going to the Transportation Bureau, he didn't ask and pulled Chen Tiegchuan into the Santana he had brought.
Chen Tiegchuan thought his old classmate had come by bus, but he didn't expect Cheng Jemin to bring a Santana. After all, even the county party secretary's treatment was no better than this.
Sitting in the comfortable car, Chen Tiegchuan joked, "Little Cheng, you've really made it!"
"I just wanted to find you quickly, so I asked the office for a car."
The driver, surnamed Hu, was a young man with good judgment. Cheng Jemin's agricultural support program surprised him. Why would he leave his position as the secretary of the department to go to such a remote place? This showed that he was deep and not to be underestimated. As the saying goes, "Only those who endure great hardships can become great."
Therefore, on the way, the young man said many flattering words, clearly wanting to get close to this leader's confidant. Seizing the opportunity, he smiled, "It's a bit of a waste for Director Cheng to ride in my car. Director Cheng usually rides in an Audi."
"That's just following the boss. Today, for my personal matter, I have to trouble Brother Hu!" Cheng Jemin smiled at the driver and turned to Chen Tiegchuan, "Tell me, what's going on?"
"I took on a rural road project in Daoxuan County, and it's been a disaster. I've lost everything and owe over 10,000 yuan," Chen Tiegchuan sighed. "When I took on this project, someone advised me not to, but I didn't listen. I didn't expect to fall into such a mess!"
"Didn't you sign a contract with the Transportation Bureau?"
"We did, but they say they have no money. What can I do?"
From Cheng Jemin's understanding, Chen Tiegchuan was a resilient person. Coming from the countryside, he had a deep understanding of hardship. It seemed he was really in trouble.
"I don't have much money, and even if I gave it all to you, it would be like a drop in the bucket. But before I came, I contacted a friend at the credit cooperative. He agreed to lend me 40,000 yuan to help you through this tough time."
"40,000 yuan?" Chen Tiegchuan looked at Cheng Jemin in disbelief, "Are you serious? Brother, don't joke with me. I can't handle such ups and downs right now!"
Cheng Jemin, seeing Chen Tiegchuan's wide eyes, patted his shoulder, "Did I come all the way from the province just to joke with you? I had to take leave from my boss to come here. Do you think my time is worthless?"
"Oh, Brother, what can I say? This 40,000 yuan is my lifeline. Brother, rest assured, I'll pay you back with interest once I get through this." Chen Tiegchuan felt something stuck in his throat, "No, no, Brother, I'll pay you double the interest."
"Don't talk nonsense. Do you think I came all this way just to earn interest from you? What kind of person do you think I am?" Cheng Jemin pushed Chen Tiegchuan, a bit angry.
Cheng Jemin's words were sincere. Before he came, he had already decided to use the 40,000 yuan to invest in Chen Tiegchuan's company.
Cheng Jemin always believed that as long as a person had a persistent spirit, they were at least halfway to success. Chen Tiegchuan could definitely make it, but the process would be tough.
While he was helping him out of a bind, it did seem a bit opportunistic. Chen Tiegchuan would never know, but Cheng Jemin felt guilty about it.
Reflecting on his decision, Cheng Jemin realized he wasn't ruthless enough.
PS: Thank you all for your strong support. Quan Xiong is now ranked fourth. It's about to be a big push! I look forward to your continued support!